Obituary for James Buchakjian

James Buchakjian “Mr. B.”, age 97, of Newtown Square, PA and formerly of Havertown, PA, passed away on January 22, 2023 surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Philadelphia, PA in 1925, Mr. B. was the son of the late Garabed and Sironish Buchakjian (née Tekerian).

He served honorably and proudly in the United States Navy on the USS Phoenix (CL46) during World War II.

Mr. B. owned and operated Sagets Dry Cleaning, Custom Tailoring and Formal Wear in Drexel Hill all of his adult life. He enjoyed restoring banjos as well as playing the banjo, even playing the Eagles fight song for local grade schools.

He was very involved with the Philadelphia Mummers Parade, as a designer, costume maker and also marching for 72 years. He was honored to be in the Mummers Hall of Fame.

He enjoyed dining out, especially at Anthony’s and Tavola Restaurants, meeting people, socializing and dancing. He was a car enthusiast, owning 23 cars over his lifetime.

Mr. B. was the beloved husband for 53 years of the late Florence Buchakjian (née Papazian); loving father of Joanne Huckabee (Brett), Janice Taylor (Ken) and James Buchakjian (Susan); proud grandfather of Jodi, Kaitlyn, Shannon, James, Carly, Brooke and the late Jason Huckabee; great-grandfather of 7 great-grandchildren; dear brother of Ed Buchakjian. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews and his close friend, Cathy Luongo.

He was predeceased by his siblings, Rose Dagdigian, Grace Ohnigian and Leon Buchakjian.

Relatives and friends are invited to his Viewing Sunday, January 29, 2023 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM and Monday, January 30, 2023 9:30-10:30 AM at The Donohue Funeral Home, 1627 West Chester Pike, West Chester, PA 19382, followed by his Funeral Service 10:30 AM. Interment Arlington Cemetery, Drexel Hill, PA.